30 Dec
The Myanmar Falconry Championship 2019 was held on Saturday at the Nature’s Life Equestrian Club in Patheingyi Township of Mandalay Region.
Professional falconers and birds of prey breeders from across the country brought trained hawks, falcons, and kites for the competition, which was organized by the Myanmar Falconers’ Club.
“With the aim of promoting the breeding of rare species of birds of prey and creating the opportunity for bringing together bird breeders from across the country, the first and second falconry competitions were held in Yangon, and the third was held in Mandalay,” said Ko Sai Naung, founder of the Myanmar Falconers’ Club.
He said the competition has been held in Yangon since 2016, and the 2019 competition held in Mandalay attracted 15 falconers with around 20 birds.
“The number of falconers has increased year by year, and even crossed 1,000. Both local and foreign species of birds of prey were included in the competition. After they bond with trainers, the birds are usually set free in the forest,” Ko Sai Naung added.
U Maung Maung, a falconer who competed with his eagle, said, “It is difficult to train birds of prey. It takes time to train them. However, we are delighted when we can communicate well with them. The government departments didn’t officially permit us, but they also didn’t ask us not to breed.” The competitions are very beneficial as we, the bird breeders, can exchange our knowledge of bird handling techniques, he added. The 2019 championship was categorized into three groups — hawking, swing lure, and soaring. — Min Htet Aung (Man-Sub Printing House)(Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun)
